La Union Watchtowers

Spanish colonial watchtowers in La Union, Philippines
Architectural style(s)Spanish colonialOfficial nameLa Union WatchtowersDesignated2014

The province of La Union in the Philippines has various Spanish colonial watchtowers (bantayan) which are recognized as National Cultural Treasures since 2014.[1]

Background

The Spanish first colonized the Ilocos Region in 1572. They would build large stone structures such as churches and forts in the following years. Watchtowers were built for sentry purposes against Moro and Chinese pirates as well as other European colonial powers.[1]

The fortifications are mostly built using coral blocks held together by lime and egg whites. In the contemporary period, the fortifications fell into disuse and many are in a neglected and damaged state.[1]

At least the Luna Watchtower was however used by the Americans during the Japanese occupation era of World War II.[2]

List

Name Municipality NMP marked[1] Coordinates Notes
Almeida Watchtower Balaoan Yes 16°49′06.5″N 120°19′49.2″E / 16.818472°N 120.330333°E / 16.818472; 120.330333 (Almeida (Balaoan))
Bacnotan Watchtower Bacnotan No situated inside private property
Baluarte Watchtower Luna Yes 16°51′24.3″N 120°22′22.3″E / 16.856750°N 120.372861°E / 16.856750; 120.372861 (Baluarte (Luna))
Carlatan Watchtower San Fernando No 16°37′57.6″N 120°18′39.8″E / 16.632667°N 120.311056°E / 16.632667; 120.311056 (Carlatan (San Fernando)) situated inside private property
Ili Sur Watchtower San Juan No 16°40′17.6″N 120°20′01.0″E / 16.671556°N 120.333611°E / 16.671556; 120.333611 (Ili Sur (San Juan)) Damaged

References

  1. ^ a b c d Sotelo, Yolanda (15 August 2021). "La Union watchtowers battle neglect, modernity". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  2. ^ Alviar, Vaughn (24 April 2021). "Preserving beauty, glory of historical watchtowers". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
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Ilocos Region
Cagayan Valley
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